I have a lot of fond memories from my family ski trips growing up. Sharing laughs and smiles on the slopes, the excitement of trying new things and conquering new challenges. Time seems to melt away on the mountain, parents and children enjoying each other’s company with the pressures of daily life left far behind.

One facet of these great ski trips that I’ve tried to forget over the years is the insanely early hour my father pulled us out of bed to be 100% sure we were the early birds on the mountain.

Now that I’m grown and pursuing happiness in a mountain town, I appreciate those early wake up calls a lot more. Being early is a staple of a fulfilling ski life. Whether you’re a daily powder pig or a weekend vacationer, it’s hard to argue against an early start. Today, we run down a list of the Top 5 Reasons it Pays to Be an Early Bird:

#1 – Less Pain on Arrival

Not only will an early start take some of the stress out of your drive, but you’re guaranteed to get a better parking spot. Ticket lines are shorter, you’ll get your rental gear more quickly, you can check the grooming report thoroughly, you may even have time for a hot cup of coffee or chocolate before the lifts open. You can accomplish all those pre-ski (or ride) goals without being pressed for time. Which brings us to…

#2 – The Early Bird Gets the Turns

This is the lift line you’ll stand in before your first run if you’re here ten minutes before the lifts open.

These people are stoked because they know, without a doubt, that they will get fresh tracks down something sweet today.

If you’ve never had ‘first chair’, you really should get up early at least once and try it.
There’s a certain feeling of serenity when you ascend the mountain without seeing the criss-crossing tracks of those who came before you.

It’s an experience so sublime that some extra-sturdy extra-early birds are even willing to hike up the mountain to experience it.

For the rest of us, getting in on the first round of rides is exciting enough.

Just strap in…

Pick a line…

And let gravity do the rest.

If it seems like I’m spending a lot of time on this second item, there’s a reason for that.

Whether you like ungroomed slopes,

Or perfectly pressed corduroy,

your chances of finding the perfect turns goes up exponentially when you arrive early.

#3 – You Stay Ahead of the Game

It takes just 6 1/2 minutes to get up the BlueBird quad and, if you’re motivated, just 10 minutes to get down. That means just a little bit of lolly-gagging can make your first run someone else’s fourth run.

Check out this shot of Meadow Bowl. Completely pristine and waiting for its first set of tracks..

And waiting…

And…FINALLY!

The untracked snowfield spread before him…

this snowboarder selflessly takes the line on the edge, leaving plenty of powder pleasure for others.

These folks are likely to get their fill of freshies (and thirst for refreshment) long before others, meaning they’ll also be able to find a spot in Smoky’s or window seat in the Sidestash…one step ahead of the competition, all day long.

#4 You’ll Pass Down Your Secrets

Just as my old man passed down his wise ways to me as a child, these early birders are likely to create a new generation of early risers. Their offspring will, no doubt, be in lessons by age four.

Or in many cases, before that.

Mastering the basics of lift riding on Easy Street…

Getting a feel for the fun of winter…

Building their skills and confidence…(shall we say?)….EARLY?

But as anyone who learned to ski or ride as a kid knows, it’s more than just the sport that matters. It’s the sense of freedom and love of nature.

Standing on top of a mountain overlooking the world below.

Hearing the quite call of distant places.

It’s all part of the mountain experience. Which brings us to our final, and most pragmatic, reason why it pays to be an Early Bird.

#5 – It’s the Most Affordable Way to Become a Season Pass Holder

I would be neglecting my duties as an evangelist for the mountains by not mentioning the great benefits of being a season pass holder.

No more ticket lines!
No pressure to ski or ride until last chair to make sure you got the most out of your daily lift ticket purchase!

No agonizing over the weather forecast to decide if your next visit is a good idea!

When you’re a season pass holder, your next visit is pre-paid (and the next, and the next, and the next). There’s a great sense of freedom that comes with that pass.

Right now, our Early Bird Season Pass Sale is underway. Adults can save up to $200 if they purchase their 2014/15 Winter Season Pass by February 27th. Other age groups will also get the best deal of the year by purchasing during the early sale. That purchase also allows you to ski or ride the rest of this season for $99 or less.

You can learn more about how and when to make your purchase here.

Just be sure to check it out soon. Because this deal is for Early Birds. And just like every other great mountain experience, if you snooze, you lose.

– April